Universal FAQ's

[musicmagic]

1st of all thanks for all the info given here (though I have not been able to read all).I m travelling to Orlado for 1st time with my hubby and kids 4 and 6 on 12th June.Staying onsite HTL for 3 days.2 days in Shereton.2 days in another HTL (yet to book).

My questions:
1.Cheapest way to reach HTL from Apt for 4 of us.
2.My kids are grown up for strollers but they do get tired very soon.Should I carry strollers for both?
3.Food-I believe food will be expensive in the hotel and parks.Where to eat?
4.Besides both the parks, what all are not to miss places in Orlado?
5.Anything special happening between 12th Jun-18th Jun.
6.Where I can get best rates for blue man show?

Thanks in advance!

 

[DanieBrink]

Hi

I am from South Africa and will visit Orlando in November this year. I have booked accomodation in Disney Pop Century Resort, but are planning to visit Universal Studios (Island of Adventures).

I briefly scanned these boards but cannot find posts about the fastest and most cost effective way of transport between Disneyworld and Universal Studios.

Can someone here please point me in the right direction?

Thank you
Daniel

 

[damo]

Hi

I am from South Africa and will visit Orlando in November this year. I have booked accomodation in Disney Pop Century Resort, but are planning to visit Universal Studios (Island of Adventures).

I briefly scanned these boards but cannot find posts about the fastest and most cost effective way of transport between Disneyworld and Universal Studios.

Can someone here please point me in the right direction?

Thank you
Daniel

there is a sticky a couple of threads under this one.

http://www.disboards.com/showthread.php?t=2494908

 

[damo]

1st of all thanks for all the info given here (though I have not been able to read all).I m travelling to Orlado for 1st time with my hubby and kids 4 and 6 on 12th June.Staying onsite HTL for 3 days.2 days in Shereton.2 days in another HTL (yet to book).

My questions:
1.Cheapest way to reach HTL from Apt for 4 of us.
2.My kids are grown up for strollers but they do get tired very soon.Should I carry strollers for both?
3.Food-I believe food will be expensive in the hotel and parks.Where to eat?
4.Besides both the parks, what all are not to miss places in Orlado?
5.Anything special happening between 12th Jun-18th Jun.
6.Where I can get best rates for blue man show?

Thanks in advance!

Which hotel? A cab or limo is most reasonable. There is a transportation sticky above. There is a food sticky...http://www.disboards.com/showthread.php?t=2494908

 

[musicmagic]

Which hotel? A cab or limo is most reasonable. There is a transportation sticky above. There is a food sticky....

LOwes Portofino.
TRansportation-Figured out!Going for rent a car!

Another question:When we are staying at onsite HTL, do we still pay for some attractions like Day in park with barney,Fear Factor etc or is it all included?

Also, where to get cheapest tickets for Blueman show?

 

[Metro West]

Another question:When we are staying at onsite HTL, do we still pay for some attractions like Day in park with barney,Fear Factor etc or is it all included?

All those attractions are included in your theme park admission.

 

[macraven]

there is a parking fee for cars at UO. (unless you have the UO ap)

check the UO website for the price of BMG tickets.

don't rush off and buy them now.

wait and see if any promos come up for those tickets.


i bought tickets 3 days before i went to see them last time.
glad i did as i got a promo for half price of my tickets.

 

[musicmagic]

I m a 1st timer so please bear with me for all the questions!

1.We are getting 3 nght in Lowes Portofino with 2 days park hopper passes (its a prize).
Should we buy the pass for the last day? or 2 days will be good enough for each park and we keep 3rd day for city walk,blue man show.....
If we have to buy for 3rd day,how much is the cheapest 1 day pass.

2.Which one 1st IOA or US?

3.What to u guys do after u get wet on the water rides?Do u carry towels?

4.Checklist:what all to carry in the parks?So far I have:
a)Strollers b)Camera c)water& munchies d)Rain coats e)Suncream n Hats

5.My heart sinks on big rides (Although I m telling myself to atleast try atleast one of the coasters).Which ones are most severe?

 

[Harry Potter]

Still at rpr but I have one question which I will follow up when I get back home

What does it take to be a universal tm? What pay? Students? Work placement?

Most tms are very young or mature ppl, which means the pay isn't very good.

All those young guys and gals on hulk (ride ops), what will they be doing in 6 months time? I can't imagine they would still be working at ioa. It seems like a student stop gap job.

Do they study full time while they are working? Must be hard to mix it all together.

Anyone know the kind of shifts, hours, for tms?

 

[xApril]

Still at rpr but I have one question which I will follow up when I get back home

What does it take to be a universal tm? What pay? Students? Work placement?

Most tms are very young or mature ppl, which means the pay isn't very good.

All those young guys and gals on hulk (ride ops), what will they be doing in 6 months time? I can't imagine they would still be working at ioa. It seems like a student stop gap job.

Do they study full time while they are working? Must be hard to mix it all together.

Anyone know the kind of shifts, hours, for tms?

The shifts can vary based on your availability.

I am just now finishing high school (graduation tomorrow, yay!) and throughout the school year, I just worked weekends with the occasional Friday night shift. They are very good about working with you.

I have a friend that is studying hospitality and totally finds the time to work, go to the parks, and do her schoolwork. It's just about time management.

 

[edamethyst]

1st of all thanks for all the info given here (though I have not been able to read all).I m travelling to Orlado for 1st time with my hubby and kids 4 and 6 on 12th June.Staying onsite HTL for 3 days.2 days in Shereton.2 days in another HTL (yet to book).

My questions:
1.Cheapest way to reach HTL from Apt for 4 of us.
We've used Payless Transportation- seem to be the cheapest
2.My kids are grown up for strollers but they do get tired very soon.Should I carry strollers for both?
go back to your hotel and swim in afternoon and let them relax, it'll be so hot in parks you'll be glad too.
3.Food-I believe food will be expensive in the hotel and parks.Where to eat?
dr. suess world has good prices on meals.
4.Besides both the parks, what all are not to miss places in Orlado?
Sea World and Discovery Cove
5.Anything special happening between 12th Jun-18th Jun.
Not sure
6.Where I can get best rates for blue man show?
Not sure

Thanks in advance!

 

[macraven]

1st of all thanks for all the info given here (though I have not been able to read all).I m travelling to Orlado for 1st time with my hubby and kids 4 and 6 on 12th June.Staying onsite HTL for 3 days.2 days in Shereton.2 days in another HTL (yet to book).

My questions:
1.Cheapest way to reach HTL from Apt for 4 of us.
We've used Payless Transportation- seem to be the cheapest
2.My kids are grown up for strollers but they do get tired very soon.Should I carry strollers for both?
go back to your hotel and swim in afternoon and let them relax, it'll be so hot in parks you'll be glad too.
3.Food-I believe food will be expensive in the hotel and parks.Where to eat?
dr. suess world has good prices on meals.
4.Besides both the parks, what all are not to miss places in Orlado?
Sea World and Discovery Cove
5.Anything special happening between 12th Jun-18th Jun.
Not sure
6.Where I can get best rates for blue man show?
Not sure

Thanks in advance!

#1.
if you try murray hill transportation, you might do better than payless.
not familiar with payless but murray hill will price match and sometimes go under the competitors. just tell them what your rate is with another company and list the website or email to confirm your ressie.

#2.
even some adults get tired in the florida sun and walking around the parks.
take one stroller for the little.
if you don't use it, you can at least pile your belongings in it so you don't have to carry a bag with you.

it's like having car insurance.
you have it when you need it.

if you need 2 strollers, rent one there.

#3.
check out the food/menu stickies for food and prices.
some of the places have huge offerings and the kids can share.
thinking of blondies home made sandwiches and subs.
in city walk for an evening cheap meal, there is the whopper bar, panda and moe. not at a bad price either.

look at the menus and that can help you decide.
at monsters cafe and louies, you can get a whole pie and it comes out cheaper than buying separate.
louie's is a lot better than monsters.......just an opinion.

buy one mug, make it a cheap one that sells for $6.99.
if you have the AAA card, show it and get 10% discount on all food, beverage and merchandise in the park and city walk. not all carts accept AAA though.

buy the one mug and drink and then get refills ...cheap...for the rest of the vacation at UO.
btw, the mugs are valid for your entire life.
i kid you not.
i have been taking my mug back with me since the 1990's......and get the refill price.

#4.
the kids might like to explore "Old Town" in kississmee..sp..
seaworld, wet and wild, ripleys believe it or not, dinner show such as Medieval Times. you can find discount coupons for that show and others in the local brochures at denny's, car rental places, resturaunts outside the parks, etc.

#5.
since June 18th is the one year anniversary of the opening of parry hotter, i would avoid that park, IOA, that day.
i have heard rumors that the stars will make an appearance there.
also heard rumors of groups attending that park in case the stars appear.

if you plan to do UO on that date, stick with the studio side.

#6.
check the blue man group website.
they have their promos going on there.
last year i got a rate of $29 for a show at their office window.
seats were available and bmg wanted more in the audience.
if you have students, an id could bring you a lower everyday price.
google to find the discounts for bmg.


if you have AAA or the equvilent, you can get discounts of 10% on merch, food and beverages in the UO parks, City Walk, and shows that are on the main drag.

some resturaunts honor AAA for discounts.
if you don't see the AAA emblem in the window when you walk in, ask about it.

i'm talking about off site places for the AAA discount


i know you will have an awesome trip!
come back after it and let us know how it went.

 

[Harry Potter]

A great 17 minute walkthru video of IOA, probably the best video I have seen of its kind.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=baAVd1vK2W4

Not my video obviously, my camcorder is too cheap to get this kind of HD quality.

 

[Harry Potter]

I saw a video on YouTube recently of a guy who went up the bridge in Port of Entry (the one with The Adventure Begins on it). He said he just walked up through green gates called Navigator's Club and started filming. Navigator's Club I believe is just a sign for theming in Port of Entry to make it look authentic, and not a real club of any kind.

Anyone know of this bridge? Obviously I know the bridge itself but do you know if it's actually publically accessible? I thought it was just for staff.

Here is his video. I can safely say it is one place in IOA I have never set foot on:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=xHpwGSa_Zxk

 

[Metro West]

That's not a public area.

 

[BigMommaMouse]

Does any one have photos of the maps? I am looking for ones like WDW has with Restroom marked on them to put on my touring cards.

Thank you,
BigMommaMouse

 

[Metro West]

Does any one have photos of the maps? I am looking for ones like WDW has with Restroom marked on them to put on my touring cards.

Thank you,
BigMommaMouse

The restrooms are clearly marked on the maps but I don't have any pictures of them.

 

[Sbunit]

If I'm a hotel guest (loew's royal pacific) will I be able to use my included express pass on Forbidden Journey and Rip-ride-rocket? I know the express pass the general public purchases excludes these rides? Is that the case for resort guests too? Thanks

 

[macraven]

If I'm a hotel guest (loew's royal pacific) will I be able to use my included express pass on Forbidden Journey and Rip-ride-rocket? I know the express pass the general public purchases excludes these rides? Is that the case for resort guests too? Thanks

FJ does not have an express line.

it doesn't matter if you are an onsite hotel guest.

there are a few more rides that onsite guests can not use their hotel card for the express line.

 

[mesaboy2]

FJ does not have an express line.

it doesn't matter if you are an onsite hotel guest.

there are a few more rides that onsite guests can not use their hotel card for the express line.

For PP, the rides that do not take Express are FJ and Pteranadon Flyers at IoA, and Hollywood Rip Ride Rockit at the Studios. It's worth noting that Ollivander's also does not take Express.